Voltage peak detection circuit and detection method

ABSTRACT

In one embodiment, a voltage peak detection circuit can include: (i) a voltage coupling circuit configured to inductively couple an input inductor voltage of a switching power supply, and to generate a first voltage that represents a DC input voltage of the switching power supply; (ii) a voltage conversion circuit configured to receive the first voltage, and to generate a second voltage that is proportional to the first voltage; and (iii) a holding circuit configured to hold a peak of the second voltage to generate a peak voltage signal that represents peak information of the DC input voltage.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of Chinese Patent Application No. 201310076683.4, filed on Mar. 11, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of power electronics, and more particularly to a voltage peak detection circuit and an associated detection method.

BACKGROUND

A switched-mode power supply (SMPS), or a “switching” power supply, can include a power stage circuit and a control circuit. When there is an input voltage, the control circuit can consider internal parameters and external load changes, and may regulate the on/off times of the switch system in the power stage circuit. In this way, the output voltage and/or the output current of the switching power supply can be maintained as substantially constant. Therefore, the selection and design of the particular control circuitry and approach is very important to the overall performance of the switching power supply. Thus, using different detection signals and/or control circuits can result in different control effects on power supply performance.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a voltage peak detection circuit can include: (i) a voltage coupling circuit configured to inductively couple an input inductor voltage of a switching power supply, and to generate a first voltage that represents a DC input voltage of the switching power supply; (ii) a voltage conversion circuit configured to receive the first voltage, and to generate a second voltage that is proportional to the first voltage; and (iii) a holding circuit configured to hold a peak of the second voltage to generate a peak voltage signal that represents peak information of the DC input voltage.

In one embodiment, a method of detecting a voltage peak for a switching power supply, can include: (i) generating a first voltage that represents a DC input voltage of the switching power supply by coupling an input inductor voltage of the switching power supply; (ii) performing, by a voltage conversion circuit, a conversion on the first voltage to generate a second voltage that is proportional to the first voltage; and (iii) generating a peak voltage signal by holding a peak of the second voltage, where the peak voltage signal represents peak information of the DC input voltage.

Embodiments of the present invention can provide several advantages over conventional approaches, as may become readily apparent from the detailed description of preferred embodiments below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an example voltage peak detection circuit.

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of an example voltage peak detection circuit in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of example voltage conversion and holding circuits shown in FIG. 2, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of an example method of detecting a voltage peak in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference may now be made in detail to particular embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention may be described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments, it may be understood that they are not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents that may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, in the following detailed description of the present invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it may be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, processes, components, structures, and circuits have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present invention.

Referring now to FIG. 1, shown is a schematic block diagram of an example voltage peak detection circuit. In a power supply switch circuit, the peak value of an input voltage signal may be detected and saved for an associated control circuit. Generally, a peak detection circuit may be utilized to sense or otherwise detect an input voltage signal, and to provide accurate peak information. For example, a DC input voltage signal of the switching power supply can be detected by a resistance divider network including resistors R3 and R4, to generate voltage signal V_(S) that represents DC input voltage signal V_(in).

When voltage signal V_(S) is less than a voltage across capacitor C1, diode D1 may not conduct, and capacitor C1 can be discharged through resistor R5. For example, the voltage across capacitor C1 can represent peak information for DC input voltage signal V_(in). In order to determine accurate input voltage peak information, the capacitance of capacitor C1 should be sufficiently large so as to prevent the voltage across capacitor C1 from inadvertently discharging during a decreasing portion of DC input voltage signal V_(in).

In addition, the voltage peak detection circuit may need to response to a peak of a high speed or transient input voltage signal. In the arrangement of FIG. 1, the time constant τ of the peak detection circuit may be, e.g., about 100 ms. When the capacitance of capacitor C1 is 100 pF, the resistance of resistor R5 can be as shown below in formula (1).

$\begin{matrix} {R_{5} = {\frac{100\mspace{14mu} {ms}}{100{PF}} = {1G\; \Omega}}} & (1) \end{matrix}$

It can be seen from formula (1) that the resistance of resistor R5 in this example is very large. Thus, the size in terms of layout or circuit board area, as well as product costs may also be relatively high, and thus may not be conducive to circuit integration. Therefore, in particular embodiments, a voltage peak detection circuit with a low circuit product cost and relatively small area/volume is provided to detect and hold peak information of the input voltage of a switching power supply.

In one embodiment, a voltage peak detection circuit can include: (i) a voltage coupling circuit configured to inductively couple an input inductor voltage of a switching power supply, and to generate a first voltage that represents a DC input voltage of the switching power supply; (ii) a voltage conversion circuit configured to receive the first voltage, and to generate a second voltage that is proportional to the first voltage; and (iii) a holding circuit configured to hold a peak of the second voltage to generate a peak voltage signal that represents peak information of the DC input voltage.

Referring now to FIG. 2, shown is a schematic block diagram of an example voltage peak detection circuit in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The voltage peak detection circuit can be applied in a switching or switched-mode power supply (SMPS). In this particular example, a flyback topology switching power supply is shown; however, any suitable converter topology (e.g., boost, buck, buck-boost, forward, SEPIC, ZETA, etc.) can be employed in certain embodiments. Here, a power stage circuit can include a transformer including primary winding T1 and secondary winding T2. The winding turns of primary winding T1 can be indicated as N1, and the winding turns of secondary winding T2 can be indicated as N2.

The example voltage peak detection circuit can include voltage coupling circuit 201, voltage conversion circuit 202, and holding circuit 203. Here, voltage coupling circuit 201 can include auxiliary inductor T3 that is inductively coupled with an input inductor (e.g., primary winding T1) of the switching power supply. Voltage/signal V₁ can be generated according to an induced voltage of auxiliary inductor T3. The windings or number of turns of auxiliary inductor T3 can be indicated as N3, so voltage V₁ can represent information related to DC input voltage V_(in) of the switching power supply. Also, diode D2 and capacitor C4 can supply bias voltage V_(CC) for the circuit control chip.

In particular embodiments, voltage conversion circuit 202 can include voltage-current conversion circuit 202-1 and current-voltage conversion circuit 202-2. Voltage-current conversion circuit 202-1 can be coupled with voltage coupling circuit 201 to receive voltage V₁, and to generate current I₁ based on voltage V₁. Also, voltage-current conversion circuit 202-1 can perform a mirroring process on current I₁ to generate mirror current I₂. Current-voltage conversion circuit 202-2 can receive mirror current I₂, and may accordingly generate voltage V₂. For example, voltage V₂ can be proportional to voltage V₁. Thus, voltage V₂ can represent information related to DC input voltage V_(in) of the switching power supply.

Holding circuit 203 can include charging control circuit 203-1 and discharging circuit 203-2. Charging control circuit 203-1 can receive voltage V₂ and micro-current source I_(S), and may generate peak voltage signal V_(P). For example, when peak voltage signal V_(P) is less than voltage V₂, charging control circuit 203-1 can increase peak voltage signal V_(P) through micro-current source I_(S). Also, discharging circuit 203-2 can receive peak voltage signal V_(P) and clock signal CLK, and can control a discharging rate of peak voltage signal V_(P) according to clock signal CLK.

In this way, peak voltage signal V_(P) can represent peak information of voltage V₂. Because of the relationship of voltage V₂ and DC input voltage V_(in), peak voltage signal V_(P) can represent peak information related to DC input voltage V_(in). Thus, even when DC input voltage V_(in) may be changing (e.g., in a transient condition), peak voltage signal V_(P) can represent quasi-peak information of DC input voltage V_(in). Then, peak voltage signal V_(P) can be transmitted or otherwise supplied to an associated control circuit, as shown. For example, the control circuit can control switching (e.g., via pulse-width modulation [PWM] control) of main power switch or transistor Q_(M) of the switching power supply.

In this way, voltage peak conversion circuit 202 and holding circuit 203 in particular embodiments can directly detect DC input voltage V_(in), to acquire or determine input voltage information without the use of a resistor network or dividing resistors. As a result, chip pins, power losses on such resistors, and overall product costs, can be reduced, and the converter power supply efficiency can be improved, as compared to conventional approaches.

Referring now to FIG. 3, shown is a schematic block diagram of example voltage conversion and holding circuits shown in FIG. 2, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Voltage-current conversion circuit 202-1 can include resistor R1, error amplifier EA1, transistor Q₁, and a current mirror circuit. A first input of error amplifier EA1 can connect to ground, and a second input of error amplifier EA1 can be coupled to auxiliary inductor T3 in voltage coupling circuit 201 through resistor R1.

A control terminal (e.g., a gate) of transistor Q₁ can be coupled to an output of error amplifier EA1. A first power terminal (e.g., source/drain) of transistor Q₁ can be coupled to one terminal of the current mirror circuit, and a second power terminal (e.g., source/drain) of transistor Q₁ can be coupled to a second input of error amplifier EA1. When power switch Q_(M) of the switching power supply is on, transistor Q₁ can also be turned on, and the current flowing through resistor R1 can be current I₁.

The current mirror circuit can receive current I₁, and may accordingly provide mirror current I₂. Here, the current mirror circuit can include two cascode-connected transistors (e.g., PMOS transistors) MP1 and MP2. Transistors MP1 and MP2 can be of the same type (e.g., both PMOS, or both NMOS) with a width to length ratio of 1:M. for example, transistors MP1 and MP2 can be two identical transistors. When transistor Q₁ is on (conducting), the current mirror circuit can generate mirror current I₂, which can equal current I₁ in this example (if transistors MP1 and MP2 are identically sized, etc.).

Voltage-current conversion circuit 202-2 can include resistor R2 having a first terminal coupled to the current mirror circuit to receive mirror current I₂, and a second terminal coupled to ground. As there is a mirror current flowing through resistor R2 in this case, a voltage generated at the first terminal of resistor R2 can be configured as voltage V₂. Furthermore, charging control circuit 203-1 can include comparator CM1, transistor Q₂, and charging capacitor C2. A first input of comparator CM1 can be coupled to voltage conversion circuit 202 to receive voltage V₂, a second input can be coupled to one terminal of charging capacitor C₂ to receive peak voltage signal V_(P), and an output terminal can be coupled to a control terminal (e.g., gate) of transistor Q₂.

A control terminal of transistor Q₂ can receive an output signal of comparator CM1, a first power terminal can be coupled to micro-current source I_(S), and a second power terminal of transistor Q₂ can connect to one terminal of charging capacitor C2. For example, the other terminal of charging capacitor C2 can connect to ground, and a voltage across charging capacitor C2 can be configured as peak voltage signal V_(P).

Discharging circuit 203-2 can include switches (e.g., transistors) S1 and S2, and discharging capacitor C3. One terminal of switch S1 can connect to charging capacitor C2 to receive peak voltage signal V_(p), and the other terminal of switch S1 can be coupled to ground via switch S2. One terminal of discharging capacitor C3 can connect to a common node of switches S1 and S2, and the other terminal of discharging capacitor C3 can connect to ground. For example, the switching operation of switch S1 can be controlled by clock signal CLK, and the switching operation of switch S2 can be controlled by an inverted version (e.g., via inverter II) of clock signal CLK.

When power switch Q_(M) is conducting or on, a voltage drop can be generated on primary winding T1. Auxiliary inductor T3 can couple the voltage on primary winding T1 of the transformer to determine voltage V₁, as shown below in formula (2).

$\begin{matrix} {V_{1} = {{- \frac{N_{2}}{N_{1}}} \times V_{i\; n}}} & (2) \end{matrix}$

From equation (2) that, voltage V₁ can be proportional to DC input voltage V_(in). Because voltage V₁ is negative, output signal V_(e1) of error amplifier EA1 can be high, and transistor Q₁ can thus be on. Based on “virtual short” principles of error amplifier EA1, current I₁ flowing through resistor R1 can be as shown below in equation (3).

$\begin{matrix} {I_{1} = {{- \frac{N_{2}}{N_{1}}} \times \frac{V_{i\; n}}{R_{1}}}} & (3) \end{matrix}$

Therefore, the current flowing through the left channel of the current mirror circuit can be current I₁, and according to mirroring principles, mirror current I₂ can be as shown below in equation (4).

$\begin{matrix} {I_{2} = {{- \frac{N_{2}}{N_{1}}} \times \frac{V_{i\; n}}{R_{1\;}}}} & (4) \end{matrix}$

Because the current flowing through resistor R2 is mirror current I₂, voltage V₂ of resistor R2 can be as shown below in equation (5).

$\begin{matrix} {V_{2} = {\frac{N_{2}}{N_{1}} \times \frac{V_{i\; n}}{R_{1}} \times R_{2}}} & (5) \end{matrix}$

It can be seen from equation (5) that voltage V₂ can be proportional to DC input voltage V_(in). Thus, voltage V₂ can represent information related to DC input voltage V_(in). In addition, it can be seen from equations (2) and (5) that voltage V₁ can also be proportional to voltage V₂. Thus, by regulation of voltage conversion circuit 202 in particular embodiments, voltage V₂ can be consistent with DC input voltage V_(in).

In particular embodiments, comparator CM1 can compare voltage V₂ against peak voltage signal V_(P). When peak voltage signal V_(P) is less than (e.g., less in absolute value) voltage V₂, output terminal signal V_(C1) of comparator CM1 can go high, transistor Q₂ can be on, and micro-current source I_(S) can charge charging capacitor C2. Peak voltage signal V_(P) may increase until peak voltage signal V_(P) reaches a level of voltage V₂. Then, output signal W₁ of comparator CM1 can go low, transistor Q₂ can be turned off, and charging capacitor C2 can be discharged through the discharging circuit.

The discharging rate of capacitor C2 can be determined by a period and/or a duty cycle of clock signal CLK, as well as the capacitances of charging capacitor C2 and discharging capacitor C3. For example, the period and/or duty cycle of clock signal CLK can be fixed or variable (e.g., programmable by the user). Also, other components or arrangements for circuitry as described herein can be supported in particular embodiments. For example, discharging capacitor C3 in discharging circuit 203-2 can be replaced by other discharging components, such as an adjustable current source.

As discussed above, the voltage peak detection circuit may need to response to transient peak information of DC input voltage V_(m). In particular embodiments, the equivalent time constant τ_(eq) of holding circuit 203 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention can be: τ_(eq)=C2×R_(eq). Here, C2 can denote the capacitance of charging capacitor C2, and R_(eq) can denote the equivalent resistance of holding circuit 203. The value of equivalent resistance R_(eq) can be as shown below in equation (7).

$\begin{matrix} {R_{eq} \approx \frac{T_{CLK} \times \left( {C_{2} + C_{3}} \right)}{C_{2} \times C_{3}}} & (7) \end{matrix}$

Here, C3 can denote the capacitance of discharging capacitor C3, and T_(CLK) can denote the period of clock signal CLK. If C2 is much greater than C3, then equivalent resistor R_(eq) can be as shown below in equation (8).

$\begin{matrix} {R_{eq} \approx \frac{T_{CLK}}{C_{2}}} & (8) \end{matrix}$

Equation (9) can be arrived at by substituting equation (8) into equation (6), as shown below.

$\begin{matrix} {\tau_{eq} \approx \frac{T_{CLK} \times C_{2}}{C_{3}}} & (9) \end{matrix}$

When equivalent time constant τ_(eq) is about 100 ms, and T_(CLK) is about 1 ms, C2 is about 50 pF, the capacitance of discharging capacitor C3 is about 0.5 pF. Alternatively, when C2 is about 10 pF, the capacitance of the discharging capacitance is about 0.1 pF. Thus, it can be seen that under conditions when the transient response of the DC input voltage peak is satisfied, the capacitance of discharging capacitor C3 in particular embodiments can be relatively small. Thus, because large resistors and capacitors may not be needed in this approach, product costs and size can be substantially reduced to facilitate circuit integration.

In one embodiment, a method of detecting a voltage peak for a switching power supply, can include: (i) generating a first voltage that represents a DC input voltage of the switching power supply by coupling an input inductor voltage of the switching power supply; (ii) performing, by a voltage conversion circuit, a conversion on the first voltage to generate a second voltage that is proportional to the first voltage; and (iii) generating a peak voltage signal by holding a peak of the second voltage, where the peak voltage signal represents peak information of the DC input voltage.

Referring now to FIG. 4, shown is a flow diagram of an example method of detecting a voltage peak in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. This particular voltage peak detection method can be applied for a switching power supply that can receive an external input voltage (e.g., V_(ac)), and generate therefrom a DC input voltage (e.g., V_(in)) after being rectified by a rectifier bridge. At S401, a first voltage (e.g., V₁) that represents the DC input voltage of the switching power supply can be generated by coupling an input inductor voltage of the switching power supply. For example, an auxiliary winding (e.g., T1) can be employed to inductively couple to the input inductor voltage of the switching power supply.

At S402, a second voltage (e.g., V₂) that is proportional to the first voltage can be generated by performing a conversion process. For example, voltage conversion circuit 202 can be employed to convert from voltage signal V₁ to voltage signal V₂. In particular, voltage V₁ can be converted to mirror current I₂ by voltage-current conversion circuit 202-1, and mirror current I₂ can be converted to voltage V₂ by current-voltage conversion circuit 202-2.

At S403, a peak voltage signal can be generated by holding a peak of the second voltage. For example, holding circuit 203 can be used to hold the peak of voltage V₂. The peak voltage signal can represent peak information of DC input voltage V_(in) of the switching power supply. In particular, voltage V₂ and a micro-current source (e.g., I_(S)) can be used to generate the peak voltage signal. Voltage V₂ can be compared (e.g., via comparator CM1) against the peak voltage signal (e.g., V_(P)), and when the peak voltage signal is less (e.g., in absolute value) than voltage V₂, the peak voltage signal can be increased via micro-current source I_(S). In addition, the discharging rate of the peak voltage signal can be controlled (e.g., via discharging circuit 203-2) according to clock signal CLK.

Thus in particular embodiments, a voltage coupling circuit can be utilized to generate DC input voltage information, instead of sampling the DC input voltage information by directly connecting to a power stage circuit. In this way, the number of chip pins for external connections can be decreased, power losses can be reduced, and conversion efficiency can be improved without use of a sampling resistor or the like. In addition, the voltage conversion circuit and holding circuit of particular embodiments can perform conversion and a holding process on a voltage (e.g., V₁) output by the voltage coupling circuit. This can be used to generate a peak voltage signal that represents the DC input voltage without using components, such as a relatively large resistor or relatively large capacitor. Thus, the overall costs can be extensively reduced, as compared to conventional approaches.

The above describes particular example voltage peak detection circuitry and detection methods, and those skilled in the art will recognize that other techniques, structures, circuit layout, and/or components can be utilized in particular embodiments. In addition to the flyback topology switching power supply for the voltage peak detection circuit and method described above, other suitable topologies (e.g., boost, buck, buck-boost, forward, SEPIC, ZETA, etc.) for switching power supplies, as well as other types of power supplies or converters, can also be supported in particular embodiments.

The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A voltage peak detection circuit, comprising: a) a voltage coupling circuit configured to inductively couple an input inductor voltage of a switching power supply, and to generate a first voltage that represents a DC input voltage of said switching power supply; b) a voltage conversion circuit configured to receive said first voltage, and to generate a second voltage that is proportional to said first voltage; and c) a holding circuit configured to hold a peak of said second voltage to generate a peak voltage signal that represents peak information of said DC input voltage.
 2. The voltage peak detection circuit of claim 1, wherein said voltage coupling circuit comprises an auxiliary inductor coupled to an input inductor of said switching power supply, and said first voltage is generated based on an induced voltage of said auxiliary inductor.
 3. The voltage peak detection circuit of claim 1, wherein said voltage conversion circuit comprises: a) a voltage-current conversion circuit configured to receive said first voltage, and to generate a first current based on said first voltage; b) said voltage-current conversion circuit being configured to generate a mirror current by mirroring said first current; and c) a current-voltage conversion circuit configured to receive said mirror current, and to generate said second voltage based on said mirror current.
 4. The voltage peak detection circuit of claim 3, wherein said voltage-current conversion circuit comprises: a) a first error amplifier having a first input coupled to ground, and a second input coupled to said voltage coupling circuit through a first resistor; b) a first transistor having a control terminal coupled to an output of said first error amplifier, a first power terminal coupled to a current mirror circuit, and a second power terminal coupled to a second input of said first error amplifier; c) said first transistor being configured to turn on when a power switch of said switching power supply is on, wherein a current flowing through said first resistor is configured as said first current; and d) said current mirror circuit being configured to generate said mirror current by mirroring said first current.
 5. The voltage peak detection circuit of claim 3, wherein said current-voltage conversion circuit comprises a second resistor, said mirror current is configured to flow through said second resistor, and wherein a voltage across said second resistor is configured as said second voltage.
 6. The voltage peak detection circuit of claim 1, wherein said holding circuit comprises: a) a charging control circuit configured to receives said second voltage and a micro-current source, and to generate said peak voltage signal, wherein said charging control circuit is configured to increase said peak voltage signal through said micro-current source when said peak voltage signal is less than said second voltage; and b) a discharging circuit configured to control a discharging rate of said peak voltage signal according to a clock signal.
 7. The voltage peak detection circuit of claim 6, wherein said charging control circuit comprises: a) a first comparator having a first input coupled to receive said second voltage, and a second input coupled to a charging capacitor, wherein said charging capacitor has a terminal coupled to ground; b) a second transistor having a control terminal that receives an output of said first comparator, a first power terminal coupled to said micro-current source, and a second power terminal coupled to said charging capacitor; and c) wherein a voltage across said charging capacitor is configured as said peak voltage signal.
 8. The voltage peak detection circuit of claim 7, wherein said discharging circuit comprises: a) a first switch coupled to said charging capacitor to receive said peak voltage signal, and to ground by series coupling with a second switch; b) a discharging capacitor coupled to a common node of said first and second switches, and to ground; and c) wherein a switching operation of said first switch is controlled by said clock signal, and a switching operation of said second switch is controlled by an inverted version of said clock signal.
 9. A method of detecting a voltage peak for a switching power supply, the method comprising: a) generating a first voltage that represents a DC input voltage of said switching power supply by coupling an input inductor voltage of said switching power supply; b) performing, by a voltage conversion circuit, a conversion on said first voltage to generate a second voltage that is proportional to said first voltage; and c) generating a peak voltage signal by holding a peak of said second voltage, wherein said peak voltage signal represents peak information of said DC input voltage.
 10. The voltage peak detection method of claim 9, wherein said performing said conversion further comprises: a) generating a first current corresponding to said first voltage; b) generating a mirror current by mirroring said first current; and c) generating said second voltage based on said mirror current.
 11. The voltage peak detection method of claim 9, wherein said generating said peak voltage signal further comprises: a) increasing said peak voltage signal using a micro-current source when said peak voltage signal is less than said second voltage; and b) controlling a discharging rate of said peak voltage signal based on a clock signal. 